These 10 Common Habits Are Destroying Our Brains

Did
you know that, averagely speaking, the brain of an adult weighs around 3 pounds
or around 2 percent from our body weight?

The
brain is also in charge of every bodily function, including the regulation of
hormones, breathing, muscle control, heartbeats, critical thinking, emotions,
and circadian rhythm.

Taking
into account the numerous activities it manages, the brain needs the most
energy in the body. According to estimates, the brain consumes up to 20 percent
of the body’s calorie intake.

And,
this amount varies and it is conditioned by factors like gender, age, and
weight.

Moreover,
we need to make sure we are doing the right things so that we optimize the
brain health. Unfortunately, some habits and practices that we do on a daily
basis without knowing are working against our brain.

Below,
check out 10 such habits and do your best to stop doing or reduce them in order
to improve your brain function.

10
Habits that Are Bad for the Brain

Skipping breakfast

Without doubt, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and when you do not have it, you will not just feel sluggish, but your brain has not received the energy it needs to work properly. When there is a lack of nutrients, the metabolic rate will slow down and the brain will turn off some crucial functions. Moreover, in a Japanese study, it was concluded that the individuals who skipped breakfast had a 36 percent higher risk of brain hemorrhage than those who did not.

Boredom

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to think in
different ways, form new connections, and retain memories. However, when there
is a lack of intellectual stimulation, the brain, same as other organs, will
atrophy. This is why it is important to be mentally stimulated on a regular
basis, whether by your work, reading, painting, exercising, etc.

Working when you’re sick

When you are down with an illness, it is important to
nourish your body and get the needed rest. This is because your immunity is already
working 100 percent to fight off the disease. If you do not rest, your risk of
prolonging the illness is higher. Plus, you will elevate the vulnerability to
diseases and put the brain at risk of poor function.

You keep your phone next to you when you sleep

Sleeping with your phone close to you can impede your
quality of sleep. This is because electromagnetic fields release radiation and
radiation exposure for prolonged periods of time can damage our health. In a Swedish
study, it was discovered that the mobile phone radiation led to confusion and
headaches. Moreover, a different study found a link between cancer and phone
radiation, as well as brain tumors. Therefore, make sure you reduce phone usage
and whenever you can, put your phone away from you. When you sleep, put it
aside, not next to you.

Lack of communication

When we communicate orally, we use different parts of
the brain than the ones we use when we communicate in written form. This being
said, when we fail to communicate orally with other people, this brain part is
not properly exercised. Plus, as we are social beings, we are designed to
communicate with each other. Isolation and poor social interaction can
therefore lead to anxiety and depression, serious mental health issues.

Overeating

Besides causing weight gain, overeating, especially
unhealthy foods, can reduce the nutrient supply to the brain. The brain needs
specific nutrients to work optimally. This being said, make sure you follow a
balanced diet rich in healthy foods.

Poor sleep quality

In addition to following a healthy diet, you also need
to get regular sleep in order to have a healthy brain. During sleep, the brain
is still active and performs specific activities that are crucial for our
health. One activity is the long-term memory storing and the removal of toxins
and waste. But, if one does not get regular sleep, these processes cannot take
place and thus, your memory diminishes and your chances of neurodegenerative
illness increases due to surplus plaque and waste.

Smoking

Cigarettes are full of toxins and a lot of them have a
negative impact on the brain. According to a research from 2004, smoking
damages parts of the brain which regulate motor functions, balance, and
coordination. This being said, if you are a smoker, do your best to quit- it is
never too late. Our bodies are resilient and the damage that has been done by your
smoking will repair fast.

Sleeping with the head covered

A lot of people have the habit of covering their head
when they sleep. However, though it may feel good, it is bad for you. Namely,
it will lower the oxygen intake at night and put you at a higher risk of
inhaling surplus carbon dioxide.

Polluted air

In order for the brain to optimize its function, it needs to get the needed amount of oxygen. However, many people live in areas with highly polluted air so this is often impossible. This being said, whenever possible, head out to nature or to places with better air quality to boost your brain function. When you constantly inhale polluted air, the oxygen supply lowers and the brain cannot function as it should.